The Trade Negotiations Department is seeking a clear policy on whether the country will pursue a free trade agreement with the European Union.

Thailand and the EU started negotiating a framework but have not officially launched FTA talks. Singapore and Malaysia have almost concluded their respective negotiations with the EU while Vietnam and the Philippines are working on plans, according to the department’s director-general, Srirat Rastpana.

The department also wants a clearer view on participating in free trade talks under the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement. The agreement is being promoted by the United States and so far has attracted Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

Thai exports to countries under seven existing free trade agreements in the first seven months of this year were worth US$72.95 billion.

September 19, 2011

Source: Bangkok Post

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